Locally-led initiatives are central to FAO’s implementation of the GEF Small Grants Program (GEF SGP), as they empower communities to take ownership of environmental solutions that directly address their specific needs and challenges. By engaging local actors, FAO fosters accountability and long-term stewardship of natural resources, while strengthening resilience and social equity. Through this bottom-up approach, FAO helps scale up successful community-driven practices, linking local action to national and global environmental goals.

What FAO Offers

Incubation Support: FAO helps transform promising concepts into actionable plans through tailored technical guidance, feasibility assessments, and capacity-building support. FAO works with local actors to refine ideas and ensure they are well-structured, practical, and ready for implementation. This early-stage support empowers communities to turn innovative solutions into viable projects aligned with national priorities.

Acceleration Services: For initiatives already in motion, FAO provides the tools and partnerships needed to scale impact. FAO assists with resource mobilization, advanced training, and strategic networking to enhance efficiency and outreach. By accelerating progress, FAO ensures that successful local initiatives grow sustainably and deliver measurable benefits for communities and ecosystems.

Pillars of Success